Southern California -- this just in

Suspect in parole agent's shooting was guilty of weapons charge

The parolee suspected of shooting and seriously wounding a parole agent Wednesday was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making terrorist threats, according to court records.

Steven Hoff, 43, was convicted in November 2003 in a case heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court in San Fernando, the records show. Hoff was identified by multiple law enforcement officials who spoke to The Times but asked not to be named because the case was ongoing.

The shooting, which shut down a stretch of the busy 210 Freeway in both directions, prompted a dragnet by law enforcement authorities who said they believe that the suspect is hiding in a "ranch-style property," Lt. Andy Neiman of the Los Angeles Police Department told reporters.

"We have officers in every nook and cranny you can imagine," Neiman said during an afternoon news conference.

Hoff was released from state prison in January 2011 and placed on parole, according to law enforcement officials. They said Hoff's parole was suspended in July, which typically means he broke contact with his parole officer.

Neiman said the suspected shooter was being sought by agents for violations of the conditions of his parole.

The agents were near the front door of a residence when someone fired at them, striking one of them in the face. He was listed in serious condition.

It was unclear when the California Highway Patrol would reopen the 210, which was closed between the 118 Freeway and Sunland Boulevard. About 108,000 vehicles traverse that span of the 210 daily, according to the California Department of Transportation.